Characterization of Pheonix Jackson

Eudora Welty, in her character Phoenix Jackson, creates humanity's counterpart of the phoenix firebird from oriental tradition. Although Phoenix Jackson can not lay claim to the immortality manifested by consuming fiery rebirths (as does the mythological bird), she possesses a fiery spirit and is consumed by love for her grandchild. Ana4rzing the character of Phoenix is pleasurable because the characteristics of her "roundness" are primarily positive, static traits. She is tenacious, confident, wise, and resolute with a clear sense of purpose which guides her fearlessly toward her goal. One word can summarize Phoenix‑‑noble. Even in the one situation when the reader sees Phoenix being sly, her slyness is immediately forgivable. Her slyness is a minor negative characteristic in comparison to her innumerable positive ones and is not a conflicting quality. It is, instead, justifiable in light of the pureness of her motivation‑‑love. Ihe similarities of the phoenix bird and Phoenix Jackson are readily apparent in the author's physical description of Phoenix; "...her head tied in a red rag," "...a golden color ran underneath," and "...a yellow burning under the dark"(457). Further confirming the parable between the woman and the bird is the cornme made by Phoenix at the spring, "Sweetgum makes the water sweet' (459). (Sweet‑gum K supposedly, the firebird's source of nourishment) Since it is obvious that Ms. Welty has made these comparisons, it is noteworthy that the phoenix, in addition to symbolizing immortality, is said to be a good and wonderful bird, possessing qualities not unlike the eagle's: nobility and powers of endurance. Phoenix Jackson shares these same qualities. Phoenix Jackson is an old Negro woman (456). Being black and female in Natchez, Nfississippi, any time prior to 1963 was particularly treacherous. Since Phoenix refers to the "Surrender," the reader knows that she lived during and after 24

the Civil War. This fact confirms that